Public's Perception and Knowledge of Using Robotics in General Surgery in Eastern Region, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Robotics in general surgery is a field that involves the use of robotic systems to assist surgeons in performing various types of surgical procedures. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the perception and knowledge of robotic surgery among the Eastern Region's population. METHODS: This cross-sectional study used an electronic questionnaire that was developed using Google Docs. It included males and females aged above 18 years who lived in the Eastern Province. Participants who were below 18 or above 65 years of age, or non-Saudi, or people who lived in other than the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia were excluded from the study. RESULTS: A total of 500 responses were received via the Google Form, and 81 subjects of them were excluded from the study. Approximately half of the participants were aware of the existence of general robotic surgery, while the other half had no prior knowledge about it. When assessing the participants' understanding of how robotic surgery works, a significant proportion provided incorrect responses. In terms of the advantages of general robotic surgery, the most commonly recognized benefit was that it makes the doctor's life easier, followed by more accurate surgical results. However, the participants' understanding of the disadvantages of robotic surgery was not as accurate. A substantial portion of participants were unsure about the disadvantages. CONCLUSION: The general public of the Eastern Region in Saudi Arabia showed a derated level of knowledge about the use of robotics in general surgery. Furthermore, a major portion of people were unaware of the availability of robotic surgery in Saudi Arabia. Educational programs are warranted to facilitate the implantation of robotic surgery in Saudi Arabia.

Résumé Contexte:La robotique en chirurgie générale est un domaine qui implique l'utilisation de systèmes robotiques pour assister les chirurgiens dans la réalisation de divers types de procédures chirurgicales. Objectif : L'objectif de cette étude était d'évaluer la perception et la connaissance de la chirurgie robotique parmi la population de la région orientale.Méthodes:Cette étude transversale a utilisé un questionnaire électronique développé via Google Docs. Il incluait des hommes et des femmes âgés de plus de 18 ans résidant dans la province orientale. Les participants de moins de 18 ans ou de plus de 65 ans, non saoudiens, ou vivant en dehors de la région orientale de l'Arabie Saoudite étaient exclus de l'étude.Résultats:Un total de 500 réponses ont été reçues via le formulaire Google, et 81 sujets parmi eux ont été exclus de l'étude. Environ la moitié des participants étaient au courant de l'existence de la chirurgie robotique générale, tandis que l'autre moitié n'avait aucune connaissance préalable à ce sujet. Lors de l'évaluation de la compréhension des participants sur le fonctionnement de la chirurgie robotique, une proportion significative a fourni des réponses incorrectes. En termes d'avantages de la chirurgie robotique générale, le bénéfice le plus communément reconnu était qu'elle facilite la vie du médecin, suivi par des résultats chirurgicaux plus précis. Cependant, la compréhension des participants concernant les inconvénients de la chirurgie robotique n'était pas aussi précise. Une portion substantielle des participants était incertaine quant aux inconvénients.Conclusion:Le grand public de la région orientale en Arabie Saoudite a montré un niveau de connaissance diminué concernant l'utilisation de la robotique en chirurgie générale. De plus, une grande partie des personnes ignoraient la disponibilité de la chirurgie robotique en Arabie Saoudite. Des programmes éducatifs sont nécessaires pour faciliter l'implantation de la chirurgie robotique en Arabie Saoudite.

Fingernail length as a predisposing factor for perforations of latex gloves: a simulated clinical experiment.

BACKGROUND: Concerns have been raised over the integrity of gloves and the longevity of their protective barrier function. AIMS: This study aimed to assess the effect of clinicians' fingernail length as a predisposing factor for perforation of latex gloves. METHODS: We assessed 2006 latex examination gloves for perforations using the water inflation method after being used by 6 senior dental students who had fingernail lengths ranging from 0 to 3 mm. Four simulated clinical procedures representing a variety of hand movements were used for this purpose and were repeated 30 times, followed by a water leakage assessment test. Data were analysed using the χ2 test, analysis of variance and logistic regression. RESULTS: Leakage was detected in 222 (11.1%) gloves, and was most frequent with longer fingernails (odds ratio =1.431, 95% confidence interval 1.249-1.640; P < 0.001). This was independent from the simulated clinical procedure. Most perforations were over the index fingers and thumbs (63.5% and 24.3%, respectively; P < 0.001). The simulated procedures with most perforations were wiping the scaler tip with gauze (20.8%) and placing the chamfer bur (15.3%). The procedure with the fewest perforations was placing the triple way syringe (3.5%). CONCLUSION: The length of the clinicians' fingernails significantly compromises the integrity of latex gloves. Maintaining short fingernails is important in reducing the risk of damaging latex gloves intraoperatively, and hence maintaining the barrier function of the gloves.